In June of 1998 I wrote my first opinion column for this newspaper. The title of that
first column was "Bored no more - local programs keep kids busy". At that time I
was riddled with anxiety about how my writing would be received. Would anyone read my
column? Would I be asked to write more? Affirmation came when I was asked to write the
column on a regular basis. Human nature being a creature of habit, anxiety returned as I
wondered how I would come up with column ideas. Now one year, twenty-three columns and
11,500 words later I realize that for a writer with a good subject the ideas never stop,
they only multiply.

From the beginning I decided that I would write about the people, places and events
that surround me at my home in Roslindale. I wanted to share my experiences of day to day
living in an active, charming and some times chaotic community. I wanted to find and
reveal all that makes up the fabric of the community. I talked about people like Tom
Donahue who year after year works to make the Roslindale Parade and other events a delight
for all. I told the story about the Rossie Reps who give good vibes about teenagers and
contribute generously to the community. I introduced Natasha who not only gives a mean
manicure but also gives us a lesson in appreciation. From my passion for art, I talked
about the opportunities we have in the community to see and share art. Our businesses
support local artists with exhibit space. The Greater Roslindale Arts Association
introduces us to the talent of Roslindale - visual artists, poets, musicians, performers.
Museums surround us and entertain us. I talked about how lucky we are to have businesses
and institutions like Fornax Bread, M.J.s Pizza, BNN-TV cable access, the Arnold
Arboretum, the Boston Public Library and the Forest Hills Cemetery. And I revealed my
initiation as a sports fan wallowing in the heady feeling of victory with the Sacred Heart
girls softball team

Writing this column has been a wonderful time of discovery. A discovery of a vibrant
community that not only gives substance to words but also makes my day to day living a
pleasure and an adventure. Of course living is all about evolution and change. We
constantly grow and move on to new experiences. I now embark on a new adventure. I have
taken on the responsibility of executive director for Roslindale Village Main Street. I
accept this new role with dedicated enthusiasm. For it is through this organization that I
will be able to contribute to making my space and the space of my neighbors and friends
the best it can be. I will be able to meet and interact with more people who make this
community so viable. It is an exciting time as together we embrace and move forward
towards a long awaited revitalization.

So with this column I bid farewell to my faithful readers. I will continue to be
passionate about my subject but my communication will come forth in a different way. I
thank you all for a wonderful and heartfelt experience.

As a young child I spent endless hours at the Children's Museum on the Jamaica Way. The
museum was a wondrous place of discovery and entertainment. My favorite exhibit was the
room of exquisite dollhouses, each one creating an exciting glimpse into other worlds.
That museum has been closed for a long time but the experience gave me a life long respect
for the museum experience. May is "Museum Goers Month" and the perfect time to
either visit a museum for the first time or reacquaint your self with an old favorite.

The Boston area is a smorgasbord of museums. Here we have the Museum of Fine Arts, the
Museum of Science, the Children's Museum, the Aquarium, the Computer Museum, the Harvard
Art and Natural History Museums and the Kennedy Library, to name a few of the major ones.
My favorite museum and one that I visit quite often is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
on the Fenway. Opened in 1901, the Gardner museum was created to showcase Ms. Gardner's
extensive art collection. It is a frozen moment in time as upon the death of Ms. Gardner
in 1924 her will stipulated that the general arrangement of the collection could not be
changed with nothing being sold from the collection and nothing being added. Today 175,000
people visit the museum annually. The Gardner Museum is designed in the style of a
fifteenth-century Venetian palace. Galleries on three floors open onto a central courtyard
filled with flowering plants. Beginning May 21 the museum is showing an exhibit of John
Singer Sargent's landscapes. If you have never visited this museum, make a point of going.
You can get a discount ticket online at their web site at www.boston.com/gardner.

With just a little extra travel time, you can also visit some other wonderful museums
like the Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, MA, the Fuller Art Museum in
Brockton, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, the Norman Rockwell Museum in
Stockbridge, MA, the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA and the Stamford Museum &
Nature Center in Stamford, CT. With so many museums, there is something for everyone,
young and old.

So if you decide to finally visit that museum that you've been promising to go to keep
these money-saving tips in mind. The Greater Boston Convention and Visitor's Bureau offers
the City Pass. The City Pass gives you a 50% reduction from the regular admission price.
Visit 6 of Boston's most visited attractions for ONE LOW Price. The City Pass is good for
the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum; John Hancock Observatory; Museum of Fine Arts,
Museum of Science, New England Aquarium and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum. City Pass
is good for 9 days from the start of use. Call 1 888 SEE BOSTON or visit www.bostonusa.com/ for information.

The Boston Public Library offers passes for some museums at the main library in Copley
Square and all its branch offices. Call 617-536-5400 or visit www.bpl.org for information. And on Monday, May 31 1999
from 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., the Museum of Fine Arts is having an open house. Free admission
for everyone, all day. Enjoy gallery talks; musical performances; Family Place activities;
and tours in English, Spanish, Russian, and American Sign Language.

All we need is time, which of course is never enough. If you cannot find the time to
personally visit each and every one of these museums, you can get a taste of them via the
Internet. Most if not all museums including ones from across the United States and around
the world have web sites. You can link to these museums via
www.artfulgift.com/artmart.htm.

Museums are an important part of our culture and their existence give credibility to
our energies. Visiting museums is a privilege. Finding the time to explore them is a
necessity. Now with museums on the Internet, we can visit any time day or night from the
comfort of home.

Look around the Parkway and you can see evidence of ball game fever. In a flash, boys
and girls by the hundreds appear instantly with gloves in hand, baseball caps and colored
T-shirts. On Saturday, April 24, 800 players from 59 teams proudly lined up and marched in
a parade from Fallon Field to the Guy Cammarata Complex in West Roxbury. The parade that
opened the 1999 season was a sea of color and energy. So begins ball game fever in the
Parkway.

In my own home I know the season is upon us when my husband and daughter disappear
right before dinner. They can be found in the back yard throwing the ball back and forth
endlessly. They never seem to tire of the activity. For me, the challenge is a whole new
schedule and laundry dilemma. I must now keep track of practice and game times and
constantly search for the colored T-shirt.

The Parkway Little League has been a part of our lives since our daughter joined
T-ball. At that time we became part of the "Parkway Parent's League". Our sport
is to drive our children to and from games and to be avid, vocal spectators. We take our
sport very seriously. There is no greater pleasure than fighting for parking spaces,
sitting on hard benches in the hot sun and drinking coffee made by well intentioned
volunteers but which has taken on a life of its own. I had my own experience as a parent
volunteer for a sport concession stand years ago. My son wrestled for North Quincy High
and at each meet held at his school you could find me in the cafeteria dishing up such
specialties as hot dogs, meatball subs and cheese nachos to throngs of people. It was one
of the most grueling jobs I ever had. We love our children and we will do whatever it
takes to make their experiences worthwhile.

The Parkway Little League though has come up with a great idea that will add a little
spark and nourishment to our captive time at the field. This year Roslindale's own M.J.s
Sub and Pizza will run the concession stand at the Guy Cammarata Complex. I for one
applaud this flash of genius as good food can calm an aching butt in amazing ways. One
could argue that any choice for a food vendor might be an improvement but the choice of
M.J.s is a good one for many reasons. M.J.s has been a long-standing staple in Roslindale.
I have them speed dialed on my telephone. They run an efficient, customer friendly shop
that serves up a comprehensive menu as well as what some think is the best pizza in town.

During my last stop at M'J.s I talked to owner Steve O'Malley and came away with some
wonderful information that prompted the subject for this column. Steve has been a resident
in Roslindale for 22 years and has not only had his business here but has raised his
family here. He says that Roslindale has been good to him and his family. That's why he
regularly gives back to the community. I know Steve always donates generously to local
events with gift certificates and platters of food. What really impressed me though was
his sensitivity to the youth of the community. In his store on Belgrade Avenue he hires
local youth. Their wonderful attitudes and customer service skills have always impressed
me. The M.J.'s concession stand will be managed by three local college students. As though
that wasn't enough, for the past year Steve has been donating to local sports programs by
using $.50 of each pizza sold on Saturdays. He recently made a donation to the Roche
Community Center. So the next time you are going to order pizza, do it on a Saturday and
give M'J.s a call. You will get a great pizza and your money will go to a great cause.

The warming air of springtime renews our energy and fuels our desire to throw open the
windows and cleanse ourselves of the winter grime. I can remember a time when
spring-cleaning was a welcome event to me. As a child growing up in a household with six
children, spring-cleaning was a yearly ritual. It was the time to wash the window
curtains, clean out and organize the closets and to wash the sticky fingerprints off the
woodwork. No child was exempted from the ritual. My particular expertise was polishing. I
loved the smell of the furniture polish and I eagerly applied it to all the crevices on
the chairs, tables and bureaus. It was a tedious job but one that I did well and with
pride. Since then, my enthusiasm for spring-cleaning indoors has waned considerably.

It seems strange to have fond memories of spring-cleaning. One particular
spring-cleaning memory involved a neighbor, Mrs. Mitchell. Each year Mrs. Mitchell who
lived down the street would perform the ritual of washing the beautiful and elegant Irish
lace curtains that adorned every window in her house. This ritual absolutely fascinated
me. The curtains would be carefully hand-washed in the bathtub. The curtains then would be
taken out into the back yard and painstakingly stretched and tacked across special wooden
frames. It was a sight to behold, row after row of beautiful lace drying in the warm
spring air. It was like being in an outdoor museum.

My own personal spring cleaning rituals began when I left home and got married. No
surface was left untouched once spring rolled around. I can still remember that first
attic apartment and the contortions I went through to clean the outside of the windows. I
was young and I had lots of excess energy. Things are a lot different now. I have built up
this amazing ability to gently overlook grime and disorder. So these days, dirt happens
and cleaning happens when it can happen and most likely spring will find me outdoors
taking a walk or getting the garden ready for planting. Life is definitely too short to
spend too much of it indoors on housework.

Spring-cleaning mother earth - By Janice Williams Page 2

It is appropriate that we celebrate Earth Day (April 22) in spring and our attention is
drawn to our outdoor surroundings. First recognized in 1970, Earth Day is the symbol of
environmental responsibility and stewardship. We are responsible for maintaining the
earth. The business of living leaves its mark on the city especially with trash and dirt.
Environmental responsibility includes spring-cleaning of our outdoor environment.

The annual Broom to Bloom day here in Roslindale Village is a response to that need.
Each year residents of all ages volunteer a few hours of their time to clean and beautify
the village. Trash is picked up, flowers are planted and brooms sweep away the winter
trash and grime from nooks and crannies that are missed by the ever-present city cleaners.
This ritual orchestrated through Roslindale Village Main Street with help from the City of
Boston not only helps to make our surroundings clean and neat but is way for residents to
take part in environmental responsibility.

So wherever your spring-cleaning rituals take you, consider helping out at the Broom to
Bloom day on Saturday, May 8. The event begins at the Taft Court parking lot in Roslindale
Village at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For information call 617-327-4065 or visit
www.roslindale.net.

In 1970 I was the lucky winner of a recipe contest in the Patriot Ledger
newspaper. I remember how excited I was to have the Ledger photographer come to my house
and take my picture. The following week, I opened the paper to see my photo and the
winning recipe. The fact that I won $25 only helped to sweeten the pot! My recipe was
called "Shrimp and Scallop Winner's Delight". My newfound fame brought visions
of a life spent cooking and entering contests and becoming rich. Sidebar to the recipe
name and creation was that I was only able to afford the shrimp and scallops because I had
won some money in the lottery.

Over the years I continued to hone my cooking skills. I love to create recipes and
found my cooking skills delightfully accepted by friends and family. I entered no more
contests as time and responsibilities guided me along a different path. Cooking was
relegated to the basic function of nourishment for family and myself. Then in 1996, I had
the opportunity to enter another cooking contest. With such unbelievable optimism, I
dragged out the yellowed and tattered newspaper clipping of my winning recipe. Once again
visions of food fame began flitting through my brain. I eagerly sent off my latest
creation, Raspberry Mouse Dessert for the first ever-Sacred Heart CookOff. I
proudly placed my recipe along side the other 60 or so entries and smirked inside,
believing once a winner, always a winner. I couldn't have been more wrong. That night, the
auditorium of Sacred Heart School was turned into a smorgasbord of fabulous food delights.

My recipe didnt win but it was okay. I left that evening with a greater
appreciation of food and how integral and important it is to our culture and lives. More
than a social event and fundraiser, the CookOff gives people an opportunity to share the
basic ingredients of every day life. That first CookOff offered up winning recipes such as
Monica Haldiman's "Hot Cha Cha Cha Dip", Matthew Baronas' "Sumi
Salad", Denise Henry's "Orange Glazed Pork Roast" and Ann Marie Murad's
"Brownies in a Cloud". With spirits high and stomachs filled to the brim, an
annual "must do - must see" event was born.

Now in its fourth year, the CookOff has grown to include over 80 entries. This year the
event will be emceed by Senator Marian Walsh and will offer up not only delicious food and
entertainment but also exciting prizes donated by a dedicated and food loving business
community. Local celebrities, chefs, restaurant owners and community leaders will take on
the daunting task of selecting the winning recipes from the Appetizer, Bread, Soup/Salad,
Entrée and Dessert categories. There will also be a Heart Healthy category judged by a
team of dieticians. The 4th Annual Sacred Heart CookOff will take place on
Saturday, April 24 from 6-10 p.m. at Sacred Heart School, 1035 Canterbury Street,
Roslindale. For information call Marie at 327-5142 or visit
www.artfulgift.com/shcookoff.htm.

As a family, we volunteer a great many hours to community
service. We believe that these efforts come back to us twofold in the way of quality of
life in our community for not only ourselves but for other residents young and old. We are
not alone in these efforts. It has been a pleasure working with many other residents who
embrace the same philosophy that we do.

The need for volunteering almost always seems to be in the
area of fundraising. Most community programs are grass root and require financing that
comes from the community itself. It seems like every time you turn around there is a candy
bar to be sold or a raffle ticket to be purchased. Everyone would agree that the money
spent on these fundraising events is worthwhile. Money raised is used to support
education, social services, art programming, youth programs and sometimes just fun
entertainment. We are lucky here in the Parkway area as not only do our residents give
generously of their time and money but our businesses give generously too.

Most volunteers give of their time and do not expect to
receive any reward other than to witness the good results of their work. Sometimes the
efforts are recognized in small ways like a mention in the local newspaper or occasional
awards given at the organization events. To recognize community service on a regular basis
though, is to encourage more of the same and to show much deserved appreciation.

I recently had the pleasure of being invited to help select
community activists who will be recognized for their efforts. I was in awe at the
potential list of nominees and the community works that they have provided. The selection
process was difficult. Eleven selected community activists will be recognized at a special
event that will take place on April 17 at Our Lady's of Cedars Hall, 61 Rockwood Street in
Jamaica Plain. This event, a fundraiser in itself (proceeds will go to the Jamaica Plain
Family Reading Program), will not only recognize the wonderful work of these community
activists but will give them a cash reward that they can donate to any community program
of their choice. This to me is a win-win situation and well worth supporting.

Rewarding community activists is the brainchild of Avi
Davis, owner of Innovative Moves, Inc. and his staff. They have put together a group
called "The Movers and Shakers Coalition" whose purpose is to support and foster
community activism by bringing various businesses, volunteers and non-profit groups
together to not only meet each other but to share ideas and resources. The event that they
have put together is called "Swing into Spring". There will be a dinner and
presentation of the awards and then a delightful dance with swing band, Herb's Heard.
Money for running the event is being donated by local businesses in Jamaica Plain,
Roslindale and West Roxbury. Not only will your attendance at this event support a
worthwhile cause but also will be fun and entertaining.

I had the pleasure of nominating two of Roslindale's
outstanding community activists, Cathy Slade and Helen Hummel. Cathy will be recognized
for her work with the Rossie Reps, a dynamic youth program that not only provides local
teens with worthwhile activities but that has given back to the community too. Helen will
be recognized for her long time devoted efforts in providing art programs and
publications.

In today's hectic world where each day presents a challenge
of fitting it all in, it is nice to know that we can still find the time to help each
other out. I support the recognition of community service and urge you to give in any way
that you can.

I recently received the following email from Rosalyn Sega
of Ft Lauderdale, Fl. She wrote, "I grew up in Boston and remember going to the Art
Shows at the Commons.... remember the beautiful beds of flowers in bloom in the
spring.......gosh, this is making me homesick!!! Rosalyn was responding to my web site
Artful Challenge. Each month I give away a set of hand made note cards to someone who has
answered the trivia question correctly. I receive entries from all over the country. And
although I co-mingle with the world at my web site, it is here in Boston that Art is in
Bloom and I appreciate being so close.

For me, the first signs of spring here in New England are
the advertisements for the New England Flower Show. I love that burst of color that renews
the landscape when the daffodils, hyacinths and tulips poke their way through the cold
soil. The New England Flower show hurries up this anticipated process and shows all the
beauty to come. This year the New England Flower Show's theme is "Artistry in the
Garden". The Massachusetts Horticultural Society who sponsors the event has this to
say about the show on their web site, "See familiar paintings come to life.
Contemplate the artistry of landscape design. View sculpture in lush garden settings.
Experience the performing arts amidst the blooms. Behold the ancient arts of Bonsai and
topiary. View magnificent floral mosaics. And appreciate the artistic qualities of nature
like never before"! The New England Flower Show takes place from March 13-21 at the
Bayside Exposition Center in South Boston. You can get info and order tickets on line at www.masshort.org.

Spring is the perfect time to bring art to the forefront.
And we are lucky to be here in the Parkway Area where we take our art very seriously. Art
is in Bloom everywhere. Art lovers can get a good dose of local art showings this month
and next. The Greater Roslindale Arts Association is having their member exhibit during
the month of March at the West Roxbury Library. The Hyde Park Art Association will have
their member exhibit during the month of April at Boston City Hall. GRAA members, Debra
Fitzgerald and John Lobosco have an exhibit called "Local Landscapes" at the
Citizens Bank in Roslindale.

We are also lucky here in the Parkway Area as we have our
own Flower Show each year. The Arnold Aboretum, in our own backyard, offers up "Lilac
Sunday" with 500 lilac plants. Like a painter's palette, these lilacs span a rainbow
of colors, from rich reds, blues, and purples to romantic pinks, whites, and mauves. and
the delicate, creamy yellow of "Primrose". And while at the Arboretum, take in
the other flowers, trees and shrubs that encompass the 265 acres. Lilac Sunday takes place
the Sunday following Mother's Day. This year it happens on May 16. For information call
(617) 524-1718.

Spring is always welcome here in New England. We have The
New England Flower Show, Lilac Sunday and the wonderful artistic talents of our residents
to brighten our days. Be sure and take advantage of it because New England is all about
change and before you know it will be summer.

Marie Marshal has always been an active parent at Sacred
Heart Home and School Association in Roslindale. This past year though she volunteered for
the biggest challenge yet. Marie is in charge of managing the Sacred Heart Color Guard.
What's involved in running a Color Guard?

According to Marie, "Color Guard is something that
gets into your soul. I have always loved the sport. Now my two daughters are involved and
the group was in need of a leader so I decided to step in and take the job." The only
Winter Guard International (WGI) Color Guard group in the local area, Sacred Heart
attracts youth from Roslindale and surrounding areas. The current group consists of
twenty-three girls from the ages of eight to fourteen.

Color Guard is about discipline, dance and teamwork. Under
the direction of Gilles Oulette and other dedicated teachers and parents, the group
performs in competition with other color guards from the around the U.S. and New England
from January to April. Preparation for these competitions is grueling and long. Starting
in September, the girls attend practice 2-3 times a week for up to five hours each
session. They learn to work as a team, synchronizing their bodies and props (colorful
flags, sabres and rifles) into a masterful and theatrical performance. The end result is a
sense of accomplishment for the girls, friendship and great entertainment for the parents.

WGI was formed in 1978 in Illinois to foster positive life
experiences for all that participate, by promoting education, creativity and freedom of
expression through the unification of pageantry and the performing arts. WGI Winter Guard
now exists in the United States, Canada, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England, Ireland,
Korea, Japan, and Africa. Each year over 600 local competitions are performed and enjoyed
by over 40,000 spectators. Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion are the fastest growing of
the pageantry arts.

The challenges that Marie Marshall faces are many but as in
most sports programs, funding always poses a problem. The cost of running a Color Guard is
enormous. Parents pay the bulk of the costs through dues and fees. Money is needed to pay
the teachers, for props, costumes, buses, etc. Marie is sensitive to the drain on parent's
finances. Therefore along with their practices and performances, the girls work hard at
fundraising. This year they performed a "spin-a-thon" and sold raffle tickets to
raise additional money to help finance their recent trip to Tampa, FL to compete in the
Suncoast Competition.

Each season individual Color Guards host one of the local
competitions. This is a way to cover some of the costs by selling admission tickets, food
and advertisements in the program book. The parents volunteer their time to run the event.
This year Sacred Heart will host a competition on Saturday, March 6 at Waltham High
School, starting at 5 p.m. This is an exciting event for the girls. They are the highlight
for one evening and proudly perform for what they hope is the largest crowd of family and
friends. I encourage you to set aside the date as a wonderful and entertaining evening
out. Community support is essential for the continuation of this wonderful sport for our
children.

As a child I participated in typical activities. I would
climb trees, take long walks picking up pretty stones and other nature objects, coast down
snow covered hills and watch frogs frolic on lily pads in a pond. What was not typical was
that these activities took place in a cemetery. A recent family death brought me back to
the place of my childhood memories. Standing at the graveside ceremony, my thoughts turned
to my long personal history with the Forest Hills Cemetery.

To say that the cemetery was my playground is unsettling to
most people. Yet my memories are positive. I grew up on Tower Street right next to the
Forest Hills Cemetery. As a child, the cemetery was a virtual adventure into a complex and
beautiful park. Where most would only see death and grave stones, I saw trees, hills,
sculpture and flowers. Forest Hills was a peaceful haven and part life's classroom for me.

In her book, Garden of Memories, Susan Wilson
introduces the Forest Hills Cemetery this way, "Forest Hills is a special place. It
is a treasure trove and one of the best-kept secrets in Boston. If you like stories about
famous people or interesting anecdotes about lesser known people; if you like art,
sculpture and architecture; or if you are looking for a little peace and quiet in a
beautiful setting, you'll love Forest Hills."

This recently published book and now a treasure in my
personal library, delightfully brought me back to my childhood memories. It also
entertained and educated me to the historical and cultural significance of this cemetery
consecrated in 1848. As a child I could not appreciate the history, today this new found
knowledge adds artistic dimension to my playful memories.

Although famous people like Eugene O'Neill, playwright,
William O'Taylor, publisher Boston Globe, e.e. cummings, poet, Dr. Susan Dimock, surgeon
and Lucy Stone, voice of women's suffrage are buried there, the cemetery is more than a
burial ground. Forest Hills is an institution that reflects over 150 years of history
through its landscape, architecture and works of art. Johnathan Fairbanks, Trustee of
Forest Hills Cemetery and the Katharine Lane Weems Curator of American Decorative Arts and
Sculpture, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has this to say, "Forest Hills is a work of
art consisting of many works of art arranged on a canvas of nature, carved out of earth,
integrated with its flora and fauna. Buildings, spaces, plantings and sculpture, paths,
roadways, gates, bridges, fences and vistas collectively constitute a whole framed into a
singular work of art."

Six original works of sculpture by Daniel Chester French
including his masterpiece, The Milmore Memorial can be found at Forest Hills. The
memorial celebrates the lives of Boston sculptor Martin Milmore and his brother Joseph.
Martin Milmore created the famous Soldiers and Sailors Monument erected on Boston
Common in 1877.

Today, I no longer partake of youthful activities at the
cemetery. My visits there are to mourn lost relatives and friends. Yet I am grateful for
the wonderful memories and the daily opportunity to have such an interesting and beautiful
place to visit so close to home. I encourage you to plan a visit to Forest Hills Cemetery.
For here you can experience the spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual facets of
history past and history still in the making. And to really appreciate all that Forest
Hills Cemetery has to offer, pick up a copy of Garden of Memories by Susan Wilson.
The book is available at David's Books at 1876 Centre Street, West Roxbury.

My first visit to the main branch of the Boston Public
Library (BPL) in Copley Square didn't happen until I was an adult. As a student in St.
Andrews Grammar School in Forest Hills and Cathedral High in the South End, I would
frequent the Roslindale branch library. I loved to read and the Roslindale library
provided me many years of academic and pleasure reading. Recent writing assignments for
the Newbury Street and Back Bay Guidehave
re-introduced me to the BPL in Copley Square. And much to my delight I have found much
more than books.

Founded in 1848, the BPL was the first large, free
municipal library in the United States. The present location in Copley Square was
completed in 1895, designed by architect Charles Follen McKim and named "Palace for
the People". In 1972 the library expanded and added an addition designed by Philip
Johnson. The McKim building houses the BPL's vast research collection and the Johnson
building holds the circulating collection of the general library. The BPL location also
serves as headquarters for their 25 branch libraries throughout the city.

The BPL has over 6.1 millions books with 1.2 million of
them rare books, manuscripts, maps, musical scores and prints. Included in this collection
are first edition folios by William Shakespeare, original music scores from Mozart and the
personal library of John Adams to name a few. Due to the extent of these collections, many
items are displayed on a rotating basis. These unique "special exhibits" are
shown in the Research Library and offer the public an opportunity to view books and
documents, which are usually available only to research scholars.

As I stated though, the BPL is much more than books. The
library supports and offers continual programs that entertain, teach and enlighten. These
programs are all free and open to the public. Programs include lectures, conferences, film
and video programs, prose & poetry, concerts, drama, forums, Internet workshops, adult
book discussions, literacy programs, book sales, creative writing workshops, children's
programs, senior's programs, art exhibits and photo exhibits.

Some upcoming activities that you may be interested in
attending are - Feb. 7. Children are invited to an Origami workshop to create an array of
hopping bunnies, shimmering stars and colorful gift boxes presented by the Chinese Culture
Connection. The 1:30 p.m. workshop is for 6 to 8-year-olds and 2:30 p.m. workshop for 9 to
12-year-olds. Pre-registration is required. An illustrated lecture by Henry Augustine
Tate, Professor of Art History, Berklee College of Music and art historian on "Mary
Cassatt: Modern Woman" Thursday, Feb. 18. This lecture is being held in conjunction
with the upcoming Mary Cassatt exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts from February 14-May 9.

My favorite reason to visit the BPL is for their wonderful
exhibits. Upcoming exhibits include the Annual Boston African-American Artists Exhibit
(month of February) and "A Photographic History of the Fort Point Channel"
through March 31 - an exhibit of approximately 50 historic photographs that explores the
history of the industrial area along the Fort Point Channel. The BPL offers "Art
& Architecture" tours on Mondays at 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00
p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Here you will see spectacular murals painted by
John Singer Sargent, French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes and American artist Edwin
Austin Abbey.

Each year over 2.2 million people visit the BPL. I
certainly hope that you are one of them. The BPL is located at 700 Boylston Street, Copley
Square. For information about the BPL, current programs and exhibits call 617-536-5400
ext. 212 or visit their web site that has wealth of information at www.bpl.org. At the web
site you can also get information about local branch activities.

My faith in humanity has been restored. I recently had the
pleasure of meeting a truly delightful person. Generally my overall impression of people
runs lukewarm. Each day I encounter many types of people. Sometimes it feels like people
were put on this earth to annoy me. How many times have I growled (both quietly and out
loud) at a rude or inept sales clerk? And who doesn't have a relative who constantly
wrangles your heart and soul. The work place too is a breeding ground for sour attitudes
and behavior.

So when that rare person enters your life and makes you
feel good, you tend to stand up and take notice. My encounter with this person was
somewhat unusual. I was doing some research for an article. The article was about
pampering and I chose to have a pedicure and manicure at an exclusive salon. I went to the
appointment expecting a nice treat for my much-abused hands and feet and that's all. What
I got from the experience was an encounter that delightfully changed my outlook on life.

I met with Natasha at the end of a hectic day. I really
wasn't feeling very enthused. It was another item on my long list of "to do's".
The first thing that she did was to hand me a hot cup of raspberry tea. She then sat me in
a comfortable chair and had me soak my feet for fifteen minutes. At this point I was not
overly impressed but it sure felt good to just sit and relax. After the quiet soak,
Natasha came and started doing magic to my feet. At first I was carefully analyzing her
technique for my article but soon I found myself in a delightful conversation. The
conversation was easy and we exchanged information about ourselves and the lives we live.

What I found out about Natasha made me appreciate a lot of
things in my life that I take for granted. You see Natasha emigrated here from Russia over
five years ago. She left her country and relatives to make a new life here in America with
her husband and son. She had to learn English and find employment. This in itself is not
earth shattering but nevertheless something that I would finding extremely difficult. What
is more amazing is that she recently had to have a tumor removed from her brain The
operation put her at risk of losing some of her short term memory such as the English she
had worked so hard to learn. In spite of all these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, not
once did I hear any regrets or whining from Natasha. All I heard was how grateful she was
for her life here in America. She raved about the freedoms we enjoy. She praised our
health system for its total care. She expressed gratitude for her wonderful customers and
the business she has been able to build.

I left Natasha that day with a smile that radiated from
inside of me. As I walked to my car with silken feet and exquisitely manicured nails, it
seemed that the people around me were smiling too. No doubt the pampering did my body and
soul a world of good but I will never forget how Natasha made me appreciate my life in a
new way. I will return often to Natasha for a steady dose of her soothing skills but most
of all for her outlook on life. And an unexpected but welcome finale to my encounter with
Natasha was learning that upon coming to America she chose to settle in Roslindale.

Natasha has her business at Lady Jane Skin Care Salon at
123 Newbury Street, Boston. She can be reached at 617-247-0758.

The holiday parties have come and gone. I've had my fill of
small but calorie-laden hors d'oeuvre, creative wine selections and canned holiday music.
I enjoyed "Tea at the Ritz" with the Jacaranda Publishing team. I co-mingled
with the Newbury Street League members at Niketown. I ate and laughed heartily with the
Gillette Security group and spent a few delightful hours in the Tropical Forest with the
Zoo New England members. Yet, the most important party I attended was at the Melting Pot
in Roslindale Square where I celebrated with the Roslindale Village Main Street board
members and volunteers.

The celebration was two fold. We gathered to share the
holiday spirit and to reflect on the enormous accomplishments of the group. In the past
year this group achieved the following: helped bring ten new businesses to the area;
purchased new holiday light decorations for Adams Park; assisted with storefront
improvements at Tony's Market and Parkway Gardens; removed all significant graffiti from
unpainted surfaces and helped six businesses permanently remove storefront grates. I can
now do food shopping in my neighborhood at the Village Market, purchase delicious home
made bread from Fornax and pick up some great gifts at new shops like Zia's. I eagerly
wait the opening of planned eateries such as Karen's Gourmet Kitchen. As a Roslindale
Village Main Street board member and resident of Roslindale I couldn't be more pleased.

These accomplishments done with the support of the city but
with the hard work of dedicated area residents are critical to the health and future of
our community. Roslindale Village Main Street along with other groups such as the
Roslindale Board of Trade and Healthy Roslindale are made up of residents who understand
that direct involvement makes for a better community. Taking the time to get involved is
not always easy or convenient. All the people involved have full time jobs and families.
Yet they bring their enthusiasm and much needed skills together to make our community a
better place for us all.

More importantly the Roslindale Village Main Street helps
to foster a real sense of community. Events created to raise funds for operation are first
and foremost planned for the enjoyment of the residents. Such events as the Easter Egg
Hunt, International Arts Festival and Xmas Tree Lighting include activities and
entertainment for both young and old. The Farmer's Market brought to Roslindale by
Roslindale Village Main Street and the City of Boston was a great success this year. And
the Trick or Treat Trot road race held on Halloween was the biggest fundraiser yet and
brought many people together for a day of exercise and fun.

Plans for 1999 are for more of the same and then some. More
new businesses are in the planning or construction stage. There will be a much needed
traffic study to handle the congestion, parking and vehicle volume that comes with growth.
The design committee is working with a number of merchants to improve storefront
appearance. And of course the events will be bigger and better. On February 26, Roslindale
Village Main Street will have their Annual Auction at the Elks Hall in West Roxbury. As
with all the events, the auction will not only raise money but will be very entertaining.
We eagerly wait to find out what creative and whacky items will be donated by local
merchants and residents.

Roslindale Village Main Street has had a positive impact on
our community. Your support and involvement will foster continual improvement and secure
Roslindale as a safe and inviting place to live, work and play in. To find out more about
Roslindale Village Main Street, call Kate at 617-327-4065 or visit www.roslindale.net.

My friend Nancy Levy says that teenagers are the victims of
a self-fulfilling prophecy: "We view them negatively and then they meet our
expectations". Having parented two children through the teen years and being on the
verge of another, I found this statement to be very revealing about how we as parents and
adults approach and influence the teen years of children whether they be our own, our
neighbors' or friends' children.

This topic and its discussion came to mind after having
recently worked with a great group of teenagers - the Rossie Reps. During the Sacred Heart
Home and School Association Holiday Bazaar, the Rossie Reps volunteered their time during
the entire event. They performed such tasks as face painting, raffle selling, slush
selling, game management, clean up and were available to handle all the little tasks of
running around. As one of the people managing the bazaar, I can truly say that their help
was tantamount to the success of the bazaar. I agree with Nancy, I love teenagers.

Nancy Levy further says, "The teen years are the most
creative in an individual's life. Teens are capable of highly abstract reasoning
processes. They are introspective. They are highly aware of hypocrisy in adults. They have
an abundance of energy. And they need your parenting as much now as they did when they
were eight years old." Knowing, understanding and capitalizing on these qualities in
teenagers can help us as adults to not only guide teens but learn from them too. One of
the greatest skills an adult can offer to a teenager is to listen. Teenagers tend to be
passionate about trendy subjects. Adults generally view these trends negatively. Remember
teens are creative. We need to listen and encourage while watching them like a hawk to
keep them out of harm's way. Nancy says, "For behavior that is dangerous,
inconsiderate, vindictive or intolerant, draw your battle lines and stand your
ground." Our behavior and trends were viewed the same way by our parents. I remember
the scene when my mom found out that I had pieced my ears without her consent. That
rebellious act done many years ago seems mild yet the dynamics played out are the same
today.

The Rossie Reps under the tutelage of Healthy Roslindale
has put in place a great program for teenagers. The kids are given the freedom to plan and
organize events that satisfy their needs while learning and maintaining civil and social
behavior. In the past six months I have had the privilege of being on the receiving end of
the Rossie Reps. They have allowed me to offer art programming to children in a capacity
that I would not be able to do alone. They have consistently been there to support
community endeavors. I commend them for their creativity and their energy.

Raising teenagers has always been a hair-raising event. The
transition from child to adult is mystifying and confusing to adult and child alike. For
some reason it seems even more difficult in today's hectic and fast moving world. Teens
face a world of uncertainty with the same stresses and pressures that we as adults feel.
The best thing we can do is to approach the teen years with a positive and patient
attitude. I started this column off by quoting Nancy and her statement that teens act
negatively because we approach them that way. As difficult as it may be during certain
situations, I will try to put aside any negativity and listen. I hope you can too.

Again my thanks to all the Rossie Reps who have helped me
with the community events. You are an important and valuable part of our community. I look
forward to working with you at more events. I also commend the positive efforts of the
adults who work with the Rossie Reps and I encourage more adults to get involved.

The Rossie Reps meet every Thursday at 4 p.m. at the
Roslindale Library. To get involved (teens and adults) call Cathy Slade at 617-323-9022.
Nancy Levy who gives seminars on "Parenting Teenagers" and other topics can be
reached at 1-888-50-COACH or visit http://www.biz-coach.com

Arts & Crafts is big business and boasts collectable
artists whose works fill museums, galleries, retail stores and the White House. Boston,
always in the forefront of cultural activity is the place to see the contemporary work of
craft artists. And, the holiday shopping season brings the work of these artists out of
the studio into public access for a truly creative shopping experience. The items are
unique and the workmanship exquisite. Useful, everyday objects like jewelry, furniture,
ceramics, baskets and decorative fiber can be purchased at both local retail shops and
craft shows.

This is the time of year for school bazaars, crafts shows
and holiday festivals. In every town local artists come together to offer up artful wares
for the holiday shopping crowd. I love this time of year as my life long love of arts and
crafts gets its full measure of satisfaction. Whenever I want to relax from my hectic
schedule I spend time making crafts. This activity which takes on a variety of forms
enables me to be creative and have a sense of accomplishment much different from the other
activities in my life. I also get great satisfaction from seeing the creative work of
others.

This year I have been lucky to work very closely with a
number of the country's top craft artisans. For the past six months I have worked with
Family Service of Greater Boston as a volunteer for their annual fundraiser Crafts at the
Castle. I developed a web site for them that promotes the event and showcases the artists'
work. Through these efforts I was able to see the wonderful work of each artist and to
personally meet some of them. One of the Crafts at the Castle artists is Chris Gryder of
West Roxbury. In his studio Chris creates unusual and earthy ceramic containers made in
the "negative". Working with silt (85% sand and 15% clay) Chris designs each
individual piece using a simple but ingenious casting method that he invented. To
visualize: picture building a sandcastle vertically downward rather than upward. I was
thrilled to meet Chris and see his work firsthand.

Crafts at the Castle takes place this week from Thursday
through Sunday at Park Square in Boston. There you will find over 100 craft artists from
around the country offering work in jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, paper, leather,
metals, mixed-media, baskets and fiber. The event not only offers exclusive crafts but it
benefits Family Service of Greater Boston that has been helping families in Boston for
over 125 years. You can get further information about the event at www.artfulgift.com/catc or by calling
617-523-6400.

Other venues that showcase the work of craft artists are
shops like Zia. Lesia Stanchak recently opened Zia on Birch Street in Roslindale Village
and has a wonderful selection of handmade items including the work of local artists such
as Jay Fisher - hand knitted infant hats, Kat Brennan - floor cloths and Sheryl White -
oil paintings. Other local sources for crafts are Fire Opal in Jamaica Plain and the
Brookline Crafts Cooperative on Monmouth Street which will be open each weekend in
December selling unique hand made gifts. And last but not least, Sacred Heart Home and
School Association will be having their annual bazaar from December 3-5 at its school on
Canterbury Street with a special craft show on Saturday showcasing the work of 25 local
artists.

It is refreshing to be able to buy the work of local craft
artists. In today's culture, consumers are immersed in chain stores that offer up
countless products that are mass-produced and are designed to be replaced almost from the
minute we buy them. Handmade products are always more interesting and of better quality.
So as you plan your shopping this year consider purchasing a gift with a purpose and
support your local artist.

Last week I had a precious message on my answering machine.
It was a tiny almost inaudible voice. I had to listen to the message a few times. I
finally realized that the little voice was talking to Santa Claus - "I want toys,
games and books". I don't know who the caller was or how she came to my answering
machine but the message left me with very mixed feelings. I thought about the magic of
Christmas that was so exciting in my own childhood - special dolls, holiday lights and
midnight mass. I remembered the magical moments with my own children - running around to
find that special request for an "Inch Worm" and the endless wrapping. I think
about the impending holiday season. I feel tightness in my chest.

If you listen real carefully you can hear the sound of
sleigh bells. The jingle sound they make is faint now but within a week or two the sound
will begin to reverberate loudly and incessantly into every space that we encounter in our
daily lives. Already the catalogs have started to arrive. Bad time to be a postal carrier
- oh aching back. The stores quickly rid their shelves of Halloween merchandise and the
smell, taste and look of Christmas takes over every available space. Every year we say the
same thing, it's not even Thanksgiving and already they are putting out the holiday
merchandise. I feel stressed.

I am the proverbial procrastinator when it comes to
Christmas. I avoid buying that first gift because once I do that I have to face up to the
task. I admire and try to emulate my sister-in-law Marilyn who seems to sail through the
season effortlessly and joyfully. By this time of year she has almost all of her shopping
done. All through the year she finds, buys and puts aside those perfect gifts for each and
every family member. Soon she will be wrapping them and will have time left over to make
her heavenly home made fudge that she generously gives and we so appreciate. I on the
other hand approach the season totally in denial. As each day brings me closer to the
event, I berate myself for not having planned better. I feel anxious.

It's not that I don't like the holidays. Each year in
Martha Stewart fashion I conjure up the perfect holidays. I plan to bake cookies in seven
different varieties. I plan to make my own creative cards and gift tags. I plan to
decorate my home gloriously with brightly colored lights and hand made wreaths. I plan to
donate generously of my time and money to those less fortunate. I plan to personally visit
friends and bring them a loaf of homemade cranberry bread wrapped artistically. I plan to
have all my gifts purchased and wrapped so I can have the time to go to holiday parties.
Like the incessant jingle of the sleigh bells, these thoughts race through my mind while
December 25 roars closer and closer. Just thinking about it makes me tired.

I always say that this year will be different but I now
know otherwise. Too many holiday seasons have come and gone and I remain fixed in my
procrastinator ways. The truth is that I may bake some cookies but at the last minute I
will be running around buying, wrapping and apologizing. I will miss the holiday parties
because I will be fighting the crowds at the mall. I will settle for store bought cards
and hope that they actually get in the mail. I take solace in the fact that most everyone
else is feeling the same way. Our lives are busy anyway and the holidays add a whole
element of added, hectic activity. Christmas will inevitably come and in spite of my
procrastination, my family and I will experience the magic of giving and receiving. There
is always next year. I feel merry.

When I was six years of age I made a split decision that
landed me in the hospital with a serious head injury. Dashing out between two parked cars
on a rainy, school bound morning I was hit by a car. The memory of the impact and
subsequent medical treatments remain vivid to this day 42 years later. Because of this
incident I always cross the street with much trepidation. I am afraid of moving vehicles
unless of course I am the driver.

For most children there is no fear of cars. Parents have a
monumental task in teaching children traffic safety in an urban environment. Vehicle
traffic is everywhere, non-stop and in a hurry. Consider these statistics taken from www.roslindale.net web site: Washington Street
brings 20,000 cars into Roslindale Village every day. Belgrade and Corinth Streets bring
15,000 cars into Roslindale Village every day, with 1,000 cars per hour between 7 a.m. and
7 p.m. We have traffic rules that mandate drivers to stop at red lights, stop when school
buses have red flashing lights and drive at reduced speeds around school districts. The
police department does a good job of putting crossing guards at strategic intersections in
the area. All these rules are necessary and heavily enforced. But somehow our children are
still in danger.

The danger I see comes from us as parents and drivers. My
daughter goes to Sacred Heart School on Canterbury Street in Roslindale. Over the past six
years I have watched more violations of traffic safety happen on that street than anywhere
else. I am appalled and my life long fear is revisited each and every time I pick her up
at school. Here are some of the dangers I see. Parents sitting in their cars - sometimes
double parked across the street and motioning for their children to cross the street.
Other parents perform the drive by routine where they keep circling until the child
appears and then just stop in the middle of the road until the child enters the car. This
leads to frustrated drivers behind them who try to get around them and have no visibility
of other children crossing the street. Another violation that leads to chaos is the
parents who make a U-turn on the street. The street is narrow, lined on both sides with
parked cars and has to accommodate school buses. And the worst violations of all are those
parents who park at the front door in the space allocated for the school buses.

Each year Sister Gail the principal of Sacred Heart school
talks to the parents about vehicle safety. Information is sent home with the children. The
children are advised on how and where to cross the street. Teachers walk the children to
the crossing guards or physically walk them across the street as a group. Yet I have
watched the safety rules ignored by the parents time and again. Sacred Heart is only one
of nine schools in Roslindale alone. I am sure that the same scene is being played out at
each and every school. Our children are in danger.

Traffic safety around our schools needs to be taken very
seriously. Parents need to be more considerate and be good examples for our children. I
admit to being the typical urban driver. I am impatient and aggressive. We are all in a
hurry but this is the time to slow down and think about our actions as drivers. We must
pay particular attention to traffic safety at schools. One way that I assure that my child
will get across the street safely is to physically meet her at the front door and walk
with her across the street. This means most times that I have to park a distance from the
school. It is an inconvenience but the memory of what it feels like to be hit by a car
always takes center stage.

Halloween is an adventure in the macabre and make-believe.
At this time we conjure up images of witches, goblins, and graveyards. Scary movies,
costumes, make-up and masks are the order of the day. We love to scare and be sacred. A
visit to "The Big Party" in Dedham or "Jack's Joke Shop" in downtown
Boston might have you think that Bostonians are heavy into the holiday. Here you can find
a wide variety of costumes and masks as well as the perfect accessories for Halloween:
fake blood, skeletons, fake body parts, gravestones, etc. But to really appreciate the
celebration of Halloween you have to travel across the country.

A few years back I spent Halloween at a customer' business
in a Chicago, IL suburb. On October 31st I arrived at the company and was
greeted by a gorilla. I looked down at my "blue power" suit and thought,
"This is going be an interesting day." I spent the entire visit in the company
of clowns and witches. By the end of the day I was not at all surprised to arrive at the
airport for my trip to back to Boston and to hand my ticket over to Dracula. It was quite
the experience. In West Virginia the residents compete to decorate their houses in full
Halloween regalia like we do at Christmas time. Only there, the strung lights are orange
and ghosts hanging from trees flutter in the dark sending chills up your spine. And let's
not forget New Orleans, LA where Halloween is celebrated 365 days of the year.

Chances are you won't be travelling this Halloween so how
can you get a good, safe scare here in the Parkway for you and your children? The biggest
scare for parents on Halloween is protecting our children from the real monsters who hide
behind the realm of make-believe. We must be extra cautious at Halloween. The best way to
make Halloween safe for children is to lead them to supervised events. The Parkway area
has quite a few interesting and safe things planned for this Halloween.

On October 31, Roslindale Village Main Street is hosting a
fundraiser, the 1st Annual Roslindale Trick or Treat Trot. It is a 5K race that
starts at the corner of Birch Street and Belgrade Avenue at 10 a.m. Runners and walkers of
all ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to wear costumes. Even if you are not
interested in participating in the event come along for the show and listen to music by Open
Hand. Pre-registration fee for the race is $12. For an application call RVMS at
617-327-4065. The Roslindale Community Center (corner of Washington Street and Cummins
Highway) is planning a Halloween Party and Scare Room on Friday, October 30 from 3:30 - 6
p.m. Cost is $3 per child. An adult should accompany young children. For information call
617-635-5185. The Roche Family Community Center (Centre Street, West Roxbury) is having a
Halloween Party and Parade on Friday, October 30 from 4-6 p.m. Event is free and again, an
adult should accompany young children. For information call 617-635-5066. And last but not
least, the Franklin Park Zoo is hosting a day long Zoo Howl on October 31. Activities
include costume contest, trick or treat trail, spooky storytelling, creepy crafts, goblin
games and a howling contest sponsored by Walt Disney's Lion King II: Simba's Pride. For
information call 617-989-2000.

Enjoy Halloween but be extra careful and help to make it
safe for our children. For a comprehensive list of safety tips go to this web site at
http://www.sosnet.com/safety/halloween.tip.html.

I have built up a quirky tradition of bringing bread as a
hostess gift. I never go empty handed when invited to someone's home. I remember bringing
bread from John's Bakery in Roslindale the first time (1984) I met my husband Glenn's
family. The normally skeptical Nana Donlon welcomed the bread and I with adoring
affection. One might think that bread is ordinary. After all it is a good guess that bread
exists in some form or another in every household in the world. It is a staple. It has
been around for a long time. About 6,000 years ago, ancient Egyptians developed the kind
of bread that we know today. They discovered leavening although the scientific process of
yeast wasn't discovered until the 17th century. But the bread I bring is no
ordinary bread. I always purchase freshly baked bread. In my younger days I would even
bake the bread myself. Those carefree days are gone. So where does one find local freshly
baked bread of the quality to bring as a hostess gift? Why didn't you know, right here in
Roslindale - a food lover's paradise.

This column was born out of a recent lunch at a client's
home. As is my tradition I brought a loaf of bread with me. My client had prepared a
delightful lunch using fresh ingredients from her garden - gazpacho soup and tomato &
basil salad. It was delicious and served in a surreal setting. The topic of conversation
though was the olive bread that I had just purchased at Fornax Bread on Corinth Street,
Roslindale. Upon being handed the large round loaf of bread, my client exclaimed,
"Where did you get such great bread? I have searched high and low here in my area for
a decent loaf of bread and cannot buy anything that compares." She then commented
that her husband would really enjoy a slice with his dinner that night. Once again, my gut
instinct to use bread as a gift was confirmed.

Good food is what puts Roslindale on the map. This small
but lively village has always offered up delicious ethnic foodstuffs. I remember
purchasing creamy butter at Kennedy's and scrumptious fish cakes and German potato salad
at Claus' delicatessen and I always made a stop at Tony's Market for the best veal cutlets
and Italian ingredients. I can't count for you how many trips I made to Santoros Bakery
for hot freshly baked Italian bread and square pizza (first time I ever saw pizza that
wasn't circular). I would always buy two loaves of bread - one to eat on the way home, the
other to have at dinner with my creamy butter. These establishments are sadly gone with
the exception of Tony's Market now in its twenty-ninth year in Roslindale. But I have
found several other spots that rival their predecessors.

The garlic bread at Fornax is to die for. The Village
Market offers natural bulk grains, pasta and beans and a nice selection of gourmet
cheeses. I now shop at Droubi Brothers on South Street for a great selection of olives,
feta cheese, the freshest Syrian bread and those hard to find ethnic fruits and
vegetables. And who can dispute that Roslindale is the pastry capital of the world. Every
corner offers up the fragrant aroma of baked goods from Carrot Cake to Baklava brought to
you by Diane's, Boschetto's, John's, Vourous, and Droubi Brothers. And last but not least
Alex's liquor store on Corinth Street has some excellent, good priced wines to compliment
your meal. Roslindale has been accused of lacking in many things but don't ever say that
great ethnic food selections were one of them.

My client lives in a lovely historic colonial home in
Sherborn, MA. I live in working class Roslindale. We may seem to be from very different
socio-economic neighborhoods but she longs for freshly baked bread while I revel in it.
Shop Roslindale!

Gather together over 100 marching bands, cultural agencies,
youth groups, political candidates, elected officials, clowns and government agencies
consisting of over 3,000 people, and plunk down $16,000. What do you get? The answer is
the Roslindale Day Parade. Sounds easy doesn't it? It must be easy as every year for the
past twenty-two years the residents of Roslindale have been entertained by a fabulous
community parade that winds its way from Adams Park in the center of Roslindale up
Belgrade Avenue and around to Fallon Field. I wish to clear up any misconception here. Any
parade, even the Roslindale Day Parade is a great deal of behind the scenes work.

As a resident of Roslindale I enjoy the parade. It passes
right by my front door. I sit in my lawn chair along with invited friends and relatives
and watch it go by. We marvel at the festivity, shake hands with the political hopefuls,
laugh at the clowns and wait for the candy to be thrown our way. I never once stopped to
think about the parade in terms of putting it together. It just happened.

Far from just happening, the work behind the scenes is
massive and done entirely by volunteers. The parade is sponsored by the Roslindale
Historical Society in conjunction with the Roslindale Civic Association and the City of
Boston. A parade committee consisting of Chair Tom Donahue, Marna Persechini, May
Pieroway, Frazer McKinnon, Cathy Slade, Nina Schaefer, Jim Kennedy and Alex Guerntas begin
the planning in January. They meet regularly to decide on a theme, select a Grand Marshall
and process the paper work required to hold a parade on city streets. They also notify and
process all entries. They line up vendors and make sure that all officials are notified
and in place. And as though this wasn't enough work for any group of volunteers, the real
work is raising money for the parade. Some of the money is acquired through sponsorships
by local businesses but the bulk of the money is raised through a number of fundraisers
like the Annual Awards Dinner and the Flea Market. On the day of the parade the committee
along with as many volunteers as can be mustered are up in the wee hours of the morning to
make sure that all is in place. They then perform the miracle of lining up all the people,
floats, trucks and cars. And when the wondrous parade is over, they plan the awards - like
Best Performing Entry, Best Float and Best New Entry. They then order the plaques that
will be presented to the winners at the Annual Awards Dinner.

Why do these Roslindale residents tirelessly volunteer
their time, year after year? I asked Tom Donahue who has been doing this for twelve years.
He said, "We do the work for the community. It is a great way to bring together the
various groups of Roslindale. That's what it's all about community." Roslindale is
lucky to have someone like Tom who believes in the community and shares his time so others
can believe too.

This year's parade theme is Salute to Neighborhood
Policing. The Grand Marshall will be Captain William Parlon from Area E5. All this
fits very nicely with community unity and spirit. Captain Parlon and the police officers
of Area E5 have worked closely with many community groups, especially Healthy Roslindale
to improve the quality of life here in

Roslindale. So enjoy the 23rd Annual Roslindale
Day Parade on Sunday October 4 at 1 p.m. but also consider giving a few hours to help.
Call Tom at 327-4886 if you have some time to spare. Remember too, that the Roslindale
International Arts Festival is happening that same weekend. Saturday and Sunday you can
come to Roslindale Square and be entertained by performances and live music, see an art
exhibit, enjoy a craft show, shop at a sidewalk sale, play miniature golf and partake in
kids art activities. The festival is brought to you by another community group that works
tirelessly behind the scenes - Roslindale Village Main Street. For information call
327-4065. Kudos to the parade committee for making it happen year after year- Roslindale
thanks you.

Recently my eleven-year-old daughter asked me if there was
going to be any technology left to create when she grew up. At first the question seemed
typical of a youthful mind yearning for the future. The more I thought about it, the more
profound the question became to me. Technology has certainly changed my life and will
profoundly effect hers. I thought back sixteen years ago when my boss asked me to go out
and buy one of those newfangled personal computers. He said to learn how to use it and
report back to him how it could help our business. Since the purchase of that IBM PC Jr.,
computers have become a daily part of my life.

I use my computer (now an IBM Aptiva) for my business. I
use it for word processing, graphic design, web site development and research. I use it
for learning and networking. I interact with a variety of on-line groups strictly via
email -a women's business group, fellow writers and quilters. I also use the computer to
keep track of household expenses, mailing lists, phone numbers and I even shop from my
computer. Am I computer savvy or computer crazy? I guess a whole lot of both. Sixteen
years ago I was a pioneer. Today I join approximately 43 million PC users in the US, 24
million of them on-line (according to eMarketer).

But back to my eleven-year-old's dilemma. My answer to her
was yes, technology will continue to evolve and change the way we live. And no doubt she
will play an integral part in the evolution of newer and better technology. Young people
today take to these newfangled personal computers like ducks to water. For the first time
in history, schools are integrating computers into the curriculum. And schools are moving
the technology evolution by creating innovative and interactive ways to use technology for
teaching. My daughter's generation is riding a tidal wave of technology and hanging on for
their lives.

In the meantime for those who have the need for computer
training, there are resources in the community to help you ride the wave. Our local
libraries are equipped with computers that can give you access to the Internet. You need
to have a valid library card and usage is limited to one half hour per session on a first
come, first served basis. Children's access is limited to a program that does
not allow them to visit adult entertainment sites. For basic computer training, the
Roslindale Community Center offers a variety of computer classes for adults and children.
The classes held afternoons and evenings run for ten-week sessions. These classes teach
the basics of operating a computer, working with word processing programs, how to use a
web browser, etc. For information about these computer programs call 617-325-6700.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines technology as
"the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area."
Computers and the technology they have spawned are here to stay and our use of them while
not only practical has become a necessity.

Unlike my Aunt Kathy whose life becomes transformed during
football season, I never understood sports fever. At times this lack of interest worried
me. It seemed that I was the only person on the planet not prone to yelling at the TV from
August to January. I must be an alien. Recently I was introduced to this popular sport
philosophy. I was at the playoff games for the Sacred Heart Roslindale Girls Midget
Division Softball Team. I was there to cheer on my daughter. My expectation was to spend a
couple of hours sitting in my beach chair, chatting with the other parents along with the
recommended gaze over to home plate when said daughter is up at bat. Instead my eyes were
riveted, my throat sore from yelling and I couldnt possibly fit another butterfly in
my stomach. The team won the championship in an exciting four game sweep. I have been
transformed. I am no longer an alien.

The winning game played out like a dramatic overture. The
score was eleven to ten (our team was winning) while St. Theresa's of West Roxbury was at
bat for the bottom of the last inning. The bases were loaded and there were no outs. I was
on my feet and at attention. I could feel the fever taking over my body and soul. And then
to the utter delight and entertainment of the Sacred Heart contingency Elaine Matthews,
the Sacred Heart pitcher struck out the next three batters at the plate. Be still my
heart! It doesn't get any better than this even at Red Sox Games.

I had a great time and the team reveled in their newfound
status. Kudos to Beth Connearney, coach extrodinaire. Beth along with her dad, Dave Fraine
worked tirelessly all spring and summer to mold a team of 9-12 year-old girls to
championship status. Beth coaches like the wonderful teacher she is - with true personal
interest, compassion and education. And just to make this event even more special, this
was the first championship for Beth after fifteen years of volunteering her time and
energy to coaching Sacred Heart softball. I've seen other kids' coaches in the past with
my two older children and most of them were coaching to relive their misguided childhood.
They were more interested in themselves then the kids. Kudos also to Darlene Webb the
"Team Mother" who was there to do whatever needed to be done - keep score, cool
kids down or give a pep talk.

As happy as I was to see the team win the championship, I
was disappointed to have the season end. I finally had caught the fever and it was
exhilarating. Excuse me but I must hurry to the store and buy some throat lozenges -
football season has started. I know it has started because I can hear the yelling coming
from my living room.

Every Monday afternoon my family performs a
hurried ritual. At 4:30 p.m. my husband changes into a dress shirt and throws a tie around
his neck. My daughter and I gather up the papers and graphics, wash our faces and we rush
out the door. We pile into the faithful Geo Tracker and drive through the nightmarish
Boston traffic to Park Square. We enter the parking garage at the Transportation Bldg. At
5:30 p.m. We have arrived at the Answer Channel studio where at 6 p.m. we will produce our
live cable show called Roslindale Village Looks at Boston Art.

In 1982, the City of Boston granted a 15-year cable
television franchise to Cablevision Systems of Woodbury, New York. That franchise created
the Boston Community Access and Programming Foundation to foster public access and
community programming. Cablevision was required by that franchise to sign a separate
contract providing the Foundation with various forms of support. A new ten-year contract
was recently negotiated with the City of Boston and Cablevision. The city is now
responsible for funding the Foundation. Community access for TV programming was something
I had not thought about until last October when my husband asked me to help him produce a
show on the arts. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that an ordinary citizen like
myself could produce a TV show. The Answer Channel is an interactive (call-in show) video
channel designed for human service and health providers, educational and cultural
organizations to expand public awareness of programs and services. Eligibility for The
Answer Channel is open to any non-profit organization or public agency which serves
Boston. Participation involves one six-hour training session that costs $100 (annual
institutional member fee) and you need two people to produce the show (host and telephone
operator). The cost for each show is $30 and shows can be renewed every thirteen weeks.
Roslindale Village Looks at Boston Art is a program of Roslindale Village Main Street and
is sponsored by local businesses. Past sponsors include Trewewey Brothers, Krupa
Insurance, Gate Corporation and Innovative Moves Realty.

These cable programs are a valuable assets in our
community. The people and programs address and inform us about day to day events that help
us understand our environment, let us know about important issues and can direct us to
critical services. Each week The Answer Channel offers over 32 different programs. Topics
include health, art, education, elderly affairs, neighborhood reports and policing. Some
programs that I enjoy are District 5 Community Policing with Officer Richard Laham
(Mondays at 5:30 p.m.), Everybody's Internet with Coralee Whitcomb (Thursdays at 8 p.m.),
YouthBuild Boston with Greg Mumford (Wednesdays at 6 p.m.) and The Greek Program with Alex
Geourntas (Mondays at 8:30 p.m.). Additionally there is BNN-TV channels 3 and 23 for taped
cable programs. Over 140,000 households subscribe to cable in Boston, which represents
420,000 people who potentially can be reached, by cable.

Our experience with The Answer Channel 24 has been very
positive. We have had wonderful, informative guests who have broadened our understanding
of what is available in arts in Boston and in the process we have educated the general
public. We have learned about TV production from Rob McCausland, Studio Manager and the
helpful staff at the studio. And last but not least, we have established a family event
that allows us to work together and have fun.

My friend Tim Casey wrote a great song titled,
"I want to be where the artists live." Surrounding oneself in art is a worthy
venture. Art is the essence of individuality and its expression. Each art venue we see and
do enriches and supports the world around us. Creativity has always been a part of my
life. My husband Glenn is a musician and I am a fabric artist and writer. When we moved
back to live in Glenns family home here in Roslindale, art became even more
important in our daily lives. We immediately got involved in the newly formed Greater
Roslindale Arts Association (GRAA). It was the perfect opportunity to explore art in
Roslindale and to meet local people. We were both pleasantly surprised at the number of
Roslindale residents with an interest in art. Roslindale is home to many talented visual
artists, writers, musicians and puppeteers. Our senses have been delighted with Lydia
Fondacaros cat paintings, Jane Southwicks students quilts, the
GRAAs, "A Day in the Life of Roslindale" exhibit at Citizens Bank and the
Open Poetry Mic nights at Guilty Pleasures Coffeehouse, to mention just a few.

We eagerly participate in the planning and promoting of art
events in Roslindale. Our endeavors created many programs and exhibit opportunities that
bring art into public spaces throughout Roslindale. Such happenings include local
coffeehouses held at The School of Modern Languages, exhibits at Citizens Bank, a float in
the Roslindale Parade, art classes and events for kids and adults and a weekly art cable
show on Boston Neighborhood Network TV. These accomplishments made possible through our
efforts and the efforts of Roslindale residents; Mary McCusker, Helen Hummel, Oscar Lazo
and Tim and Tara Casey and with the support of Roslindale businesses and organizations
such as Roslindale Village Main Street, Roslindale House and Citizens Bank are worthy of
gratitude. Yet, the need for art programming in the Roslindale community is lacking and we
wonder where will all the artists live?

The two challenges facing art programming are space and
money. We are grateful for the local businesses that create space for art hanging. These
businesses include Guilty Pleasures Coffeehouse, Roslindale Library, Citizens Bank, The
Melting Pot, Fornax Bread and Innovative Moves Realty. Yet efforts by local talent to
provide programming at the Roslindale Community Center has been met with resistance. A
community center seems the ideal space for such programming. Roslindale may not have the
money and space to be a Newbury Street art haven but we have the talent and through
community efforts we can pool our resources to showcase and share that talent.

There are some hopeful solutions on the horizon. Richard
Maloney, Principal at the Washington Irving School has invited Healthy Roslindale to plan
programming in the fall at the school facilities. We hope that this will include some art
programming for children and realize that such endeavors are dependent on funding.
Roslindale Village Main Street is planning on showcasing Roslindales art community
during its annual Festival held in October (the same weekend as the Roslindale Parade).
Events will include an exhibit of local artists work, entertainment by dancers,
poets and musicians, live art demonstrations and art & crafts for kids.

This is great news but more needs to be done. Art is the
perfect community venue. Art is a positive influence in our lives and the support of it is
a worthy undertaking for all citizens, businesses and organizations. If you are interested
in getting involved in the planning of the RVMS festival, give me a call at 617-323-1227.
For involvement in the Greater Roslindale Arts Association, please call Mary McCusker at
617-327-0960. If you are interested in providing some art programming through Healthy
Roslindale, call Cathy Slade at 617-323-9022.

Parents have a special task in the summer. The kids are out
of school and prone to boredom and sometimes mischief. I am a working mom and my special
task is to keep my eleven-year old daughter Becky busy. In years past, due to corporate
demands, Becky spent most of her summer at camp each day from 8-6. This year is different.
I am still a working mom but now I work for myself. My time and budget are flexible so
Becky wont be off to camp each day. Nevertheless, I need to plan some activities for
Becky for those times when my computer demands my attention.

I found some activities here in Roslindale, at little or no
cost. A program that looks promising is the new Roslindale youth council. The Rossie Reps
are organized by Roslindale youth and funded and supported through the Healthy Roslindale
Coalition with assistance from Captain Parlon and Area E5 police. I spoke to some of the
kids in the group and here is what they had to say. Cristina Petrillo, age 13 said,
"I am really excited about the activities we have planned." Meghan Doherty, age
12 says, "I like planning activities with my friends and being able to make new
friends." Michael Lozanne, age 13 and James Pierre, age 12, both told me that they
wanted the community to know that kids in Roslindale want to be active in keeping kids
busy and out of trouble. The Rossie Reps are planning a variety of activities such as a
car wash on July 10, dances and trips. Trips are already planned to Canobie Lake on June
24 and to Whalom Park on July 20. All youth between the ages of 11 and 15 are welcome to
join. Kerry Slade, age 11, summed up the youth council experience by saying, "I like
being able to plan events that benefit all the youth of Roslindale."

I believe that putting kids in charge of their own destiny
with the assistance of caring, responsible adults is a good way to go. Roslindale needs
more programs like this for our kids. The Roslindale Reps now meet at the Roslindale
Library for lack of an adequate space in the Village. They hope to find a space where they
can meet and hold activities like arts & crafts, sports, etc. To sign up for a trip or
for further information, call Cathy Slade at 617-323-9022.

For parents with younger children who need activities, the
Roslindale Library at 4238 Washington Street offers a couple of free programs. For Grades
2-5 there will be a summer reading club called "Unlock the Mystery" offered
every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. to noon beginning July 1. Call librarian Paula Wiktorowicz
at 617-323-2343 to register. For preschool children there are films every Monday morning
at 10:30 a.m. And dont forget that passes for free admission or reduced rates to
local museums can be reserved at the library. Please call ahead to reserve the passes.

Also, the Roslindale Community Center located at 6 Cummins
Highway offers a day camp for ages 6-12 at a cost of $70 per week. The staff told me that
other events are being planned but unfortunately the schedule for these events was not
available for inclusion in this column. Call (617) 635-5185 for information. For summer
programs at the Archdale Community Center, call Cynthia Johnson at 617-635-5257.

And for kids of all ages (including adults), the summer
heat can be adequately quenched at the Flaherty Pool located behind Healy Field at 160
Florence Street. The pool offers open swims, lifeguard courses and swimming lessons. For a
schedule, stop by the Community Center or call 617-635-5181.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Roslindale has some
programs for their youth. I am disappointed though that it is no where near the level of
activities that other communities offer. Our Community Center needs to listen to a
growing, multi-faceted community and plan more timely, adequate activities. It is a start
and I can only hope that more caring and responsible adults choose to get involved. Have a
safe, happy and fun summer.